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Bone stock platform to start with modifications?

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Old Apr 10, 2023 | 05:06 PM
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Default Bone stock platform to start with modifications?

So guys and gals I have a bone stock 99 6 speed manual with 61k miles. What would you do with modifications that make sense $ wise and just not because someone else did it. This is just going to be a weekend driver and don't need 800hp. Just looking for improvements that really make a difference with minimal cost. Let me know your thoughts! As always thanks in advance!
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Old Apr 10, 2023 | 05:19 PM
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Not inexpensive, but if you do any amount of night driving the Sharplight Innovations Bi-LED's are a major upgrade of the lousy C5 headlights.
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Old Apr 10, 2023 | 08:08 PM
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Headers, exhaust and good dyno tune from a reputable shop.
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Old Apr 10, 2023 | 09:05 PM
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Originally Posted by ariZona06
Headers, exhaust and good dyno tune from a reputable shop.
Though that reputable shop part might be difficult, I'm still looking for one near Tampa for a tune.
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Old Apr 10, 2023 | 09:40 PM
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Define real difference, and what is your budget?

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Old Apr 11, 2023 | 12:40 AM
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Upgrade your lighting, add a set of headers, and a good tune.
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Old Apr 11, 2023 | 09:27 AM
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First thing I did was add an MGW shifter (short throw shifter) and it changed the whole personality of the car for me....then, headers, catback, tune - - then A&A supercharger
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Old Apr 11, 2023 | 10:26 AM
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Good luck with this journey; I'll be following the replies as I have a near bone stock 99 6MT as well. I did add the CAGS skip shift eliminator as that crap was annoying as hell. Mine came with Billy Boat Route 66 oval tips exhaust, which I like a lot.
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Old Apr 11, 2023 | 10:36 AM
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Long tube headers, cat-back and a tune would be a good place to start. Adds some power and sounds awesome. Remote tune is fine for this stuff. CJTunes did mine and it turned out great.

Vararam is a good cold air intake. Earlier C5s have a more restrictive intake manifold. They switched to an LS6 manifold in 01-02 ish. Might be worth doing intake upgrades too.
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Old Apr 11, 2023 | 10:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Rocketship91
So guys and gals I have a bone stock 99 6 speed manual with 61k miles. What would you do with modifications that make sense $ wise and just not because someone else did it. This is just going to be a weekend driver and don't need 800hp. Just looking for improvements that really make a difference with minimal cost. Let me know your thoughts! As always thanks in advance!
If you're looking for mainly engine performance, as others said, get LT headers. Then get a good dyno tune. A 10% UD balancer would also be beneficial. Living in Florida, I'd stay away from 25% UD's. As mentioned, an LS6 intake will also help. Another recommendation is a Vararam intake, or at least a Blackwing. You will be amazed at how much faster your car is when you do these minimal mods!!

IMPORTANT!!! Make sure you do all your mods BEFORE you have it tuned!!!
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Old Apr 11, 2023 | 10:52 AM
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Originally Posted by JJ in FL
Though that reputable shop part might be difficult, I'm still looking for one near Tampa for a tune.
@Tampa Tuning is right in your back yard. You're lucky.
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Old Apr 11, 2023 | 10:53 AM
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OP - what's your budget?

Lots of different ways to skin this cat.
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Old Apr 11, 2023 | 01:03 PM
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I agree that budget and goals are an important factor here. Based on what you've said so far, a full exhaust with headers, mid-pipe, and catback, plus a good tune will likely be a good place to start. I have an A&A supercharger kit, and I absolutely love it! However, that is a bit pricier.
It won't add any power, but you might want to consider upgrading your suspension. This can dramatically improve your driving experience, and lets you actually use the power that you have.
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Old Apr 11, 2023 | 04:21 PM
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Headers and full exhaust is thousands of dollars. Gets you 25ish hp on a stock engine, but will be louder. Big investment in sound. Gears would increase wheel torque to the ground by about 17% and be a whole lot of fun, but again, a couple thousand dollars.

It would be helpful if the OP responded with budget and performance goals.
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